The single leaf (bot. Spathiphyllum) is considered a very easy-care houseplant, which is also suitable for beginners. Since it also has an air-purifying effect, it is very common to see in public buildings and offices. Not without reason, because the different varieties, some with variegated leaves, are all very decorative. However, if the single leaf, also known as the peace lily or leaf flag, lets its leaves droop, its attractiveness is quickly lost.
causes
There are several, even conflicting, reasons for leaf sagging on the cover sheet, which can also be corrected in different ways. It is also important to ask whether your Spathiphyllum has been in your possession for a long time or was bought fresh. In any case, you should react quickly.
Reasons for hanging leaves on the single sheet:
- too small plant pot and/or inferior potting soil
- poured too little
- poured too much
- too warm location
- too dark location
- rather rare: infestation with spider mites
save plant
For reasons of space and cost, many indoor plants are grown in too small pots and or inferior potting soil sold. If the single leaf droops shortly after purchase, you should water the plant first and then repot it as soon as possible. Loosen up the old potting soil and remove it as far as possible without damaging the roots. Find a pot that's big enough and use quality potting soil. Be sure to lay a drainage layer of broken pottery or coarse gravel on the bottom of the pot, then you can enjoy the leaf plume for a long time.
Be sure to give your leaflets one bright and warm location. The ideal temperature is between 15°C and 25°C. If the location is hotter, the plant will quickly become limp. Then the single sheet quickly lets the leaves hang. Also, peace lilies like one high humidity. They do not tolerate dry heating air particularly well, mainly because this encourages spider mite infestation. With the help of a humidifier, you can relatively easily adjust the humidity to the needs of the single leaf. Alternatively, spray the plant from time to time with well-tempered (lukewarm) water, which is ideally lime-free.
What do I do if the soil is too wet?
Soil that is too wet must be replaced as well as old or inferior soil. When replacing, be sure to check the roots for rotten and soft spots. Remove them consistently. If there are still enough healthy roots left, place the single leaf in fresh soil, press them down carefully and water the plant only a little. For the next few days, keep watering to a minimum, just enough to keep the substrate slightly damp.
Proper watering
The warmer the single leaf is, the more often it should be watered. Always check the substrate beforehand. If it is still slightly damp, you do not need to water the plant yet. If the top layer has dried slightly, then it's time for watering, because the root ball of the single leaf should never become completely dry. In winter, the peace lily takes a rest, from about October to January. During this time, the water requirement decreases and you should water the plant less frequently and more sparingly. The peace lily also likes to spend its resting phase a little cooler, at around 15 °C. Many bedrooms are well suited for this time.
Tip: If you're going on holiday or otherwise don't have the opportunity to water your annual regularly, move it to a cooler room or plant it hydroponically.